Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns have not been handed a top seeding for the CAF Champions League and could face record winners Al Ahly (Egypt) or holders Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) in the group stages. 

As the champions of Africa in 2016 and quarter-finalists in 2017, the Brazilians were expected to be handed a top seeding spot for the draw, however, the Confederation of African Football opted for Etoile Sahel of Tunisia instead. 

Ahead of Wednesday's draw in Egypt for the group stages, Pitso Mosimane's men could face the prospect of some tough trips to North Africa should the draw not go in their favour. 

Downs have been placed in pot two for the draw alongside Esperance of Tunisia‚ Entente Setif from Algeria and Zesco United from Zambia. The Chloorkop-based team are guaranteed not to face any of the sides in their pot. 

However, should they be fortunate and draw one of the eight clubs from pot three and four - they might be paired with minnows such as Swaziland's Mbabane Swallows (pot three) or Botswana's Township Rollers (pot four). 

Sundowns are set to begin the group phase of the Champions League in May and play two rounds of matches, before going off on their holidays for a break. They are then set to return for the resumption of the group play in July.